Can carton



B. H. LARSEN April 2, 1963 CAN CARTON Filed April-l0, 1961 2 Sheets-finest 1 IN VENTOR.

HF/V H. LARSEA/ Z/weZzi Z Sa /med B. H. LARSEN April 2, 1963 CAN CARTON 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 10, 1951 INVENTOR.

BE/V H LARSE/V BY cirwey. SQg/Ivedrws,sss,s25 CAN cnnrois Ben E. Larsen, 2421 W. 21st St, Minneapolis, Minn. Filed Apr. it), 1%1, Ser. No. 102,026 8 Claims. (Cl. 236-65) This invention relates to can cartons. More particularly it relates to cardboard cartons designed to securely hold a plurality of cans together in small compass for purposes of display and to facilitate handling of the cam in recent years packaging of a plurality of cans of canned goods has become prevalent. Such packaging facilitates display of the goods because it aids in stacking the goods in a stabilized manner. It also facilitates han dling of the goods by the retailer and the ultimate consumer and it increases sales of the goods because of its ready adaptability to sales promotion programs involving the sale of packaged units containing a plurality of cans. In addition, modern packaging facilitates connecting goods of different but complementary natures together in order to enable the retailer to offer them to the customer simultaneously in a simple compact package. Modern methods of merchandising have adopted the use of such packages and in doing so a problem of proper design of cartons for holding such cans has arisen. All cartons within my knowledge have at least one and generally two sides of such width that much of the art work on the labels on the cans is covered. Modern art work is very expensive and, if covered, much of its advertising value is lost. A well designed label has little display appeal if only a portion of the art work is displayed and hence it is imperativc that, if possible, a carton for holding a plurality of such cans be designed in such a manner as to cause all or the bulk of the art work to be readily viewable by the prospective purchaser. My invention is designed toward accomplishing this purpose.

It is a general object of my invention to provide a novel and improved can carton of simple and inexpensive construction, manufacture, assembly, and operation.

A more specific object is to provide a novel and improved can carton of simple and inex ensive construction designed to more adequately and fully display the art work of the labels on the cans held within the carton without seriously reducing the strength of the carton.

Another object .is to provide a novel and improved can carton formed from a single sheet of cardboard and having adequate strength and can holding properties in addition to improved can display features inherent therein.

Another object is to provide a novel and improved can carton designed to require less material without serious loss of strength, to be lighter in weight, and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and to more fully display the cans contained therein than was possible with can cartons heretofore known.

Another object is to provide a novel and improved can carton having increased strength while at the same time providing maximum display for the art work on the labels of the cans held within the carton.

These and other objects and advantages of my inven tion will more fully appear from the following description, made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of my can cartons;

MG. 2 is an end elevational view of the same;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the empty carton;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of my can carton;

FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 5--5 of PEG. 2;

PEG. 6 is a side elevational View of one of my can cartons with a pair of cans shown locked therein;

FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view of a second form See of my invention taken from a position similar to that of line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a third form of my invention taken along a line corresponding to line 5-5 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the cardboard blank from which the embodiment shown in FTGS. 1-5 is formed, the blank being shown on a somewhat smaller scale.

The first and preferred form of my invention is shown in FIGS. 1-5 and FIG. 9. The blank A shown in FIG. 9 has been cut from a single sheet of cardboard of the type conventionally used in manufacturing cartons of this type and, as shown, is comprised of a single elongated sheet 6 of cardboard. This sheet 6 includes a pair of ovoid segments 7 and d which are spaced longitudinally of the sheet and are connected by one of a pair 9 and 1a of narrow elongated segments which are disposed at opposite ends of the ovoid segment 8.

Each of the elongated segmens 9 and it} has a pair of lateral extension elements which extend laterally from opposite sides of the elongated segments. The pair of lateral extensions 11 and 12 of segment 9 become strut elements when the carton is assembled as do the extensions 13 and 14 which are carried by the segment 1d. it will be noted that the segments 11 and 1 extend laterally somewhat farther than their associated lateral extensions l2 and 13. At opposite ends of the sheet 6 there is a pair of sealing tabs 15 and is which extend outwardly beyond the ovoid segments 7 and the elongated segment 19.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sheet 6 is scored along a pair of transversely spaced parallel lines extending along the sides of the elongated segments 9 and Ill} and along the ends of the two pairs of oppositely disposed arcuate slits formed in the ovoid segments 7 and 8. For the purposes of reference the pair of transversely spaced parallel lines have been identified by the numerals 17 and 13. The first pair of slits have been identified by the numerals l9 and it while the second pair of slits are identified as 21 and 22. It should be noted that each of these slits 194.32 terminates at its opposite ends along one of the lines 17, 18, the scoring along the lines 17 and 18 together with the slits forming locking tabs identified by the numerals 23, 2d, 25, and 26. These locking tabs, as will be more adequately described hereinafter, serve to lock he cans within the carton after it has been assembled.

Reference to PEG. 9 also shows that the sheet 6 is scored transversely at each end of the narrow elongated segments where they are connected to the ovoid segments 7 and 8. Thus, there are four transverse scorings 27, 28, 29, and 30. These transverse scorings enables the sheet 6 to be easily formed into a sleeve member when the sealing tabs 15 and 16 are glued together, the ovoid segments and narrow elongated segments then extending at right angles to each other.

When the blank A has been formed into the sleeve member indicated by the numeral 3-1 the narrow elongated segments 9 and 1%) become upright side panels and the ovoid segments 7 and 8 become top and bottom panels respectively. The lateral extensions 1144 are then bent inwardly toward each other as best shown in FIG. 5 to become strut elements and are secured together by glue 32 or by some other suitable means. It will be noted that the lateral extensions overlap each other, particularly the longer extensions '11 and 14 and that the extension 14 is also glued to the associated extension -13 while extensions 11 and 12 are glued to each other in addition to being fixedly secured to the opposite pair of extensions. Reference to FIG. 5 will show that each pair of the strut elements 11, 12, 13 and 14 together with their associated side panels 9 and ill, respectively form a pair of generally triangularly shaped geometric constructions which are connected at their apex It will be noted that the dimension of the side panels 9 and 10 taken longitudinally of the sleeve member 31 is less than half of the corresponding dimensions ofthe top and bottom panels7 and 8. These side panels and 1t? and top and bottom panels 7 and 8 cooperate to secure a pair of cans such as 33, 34 together in upright side by side relation while aligned longitudinally of the sleeve member. (This is accomplished by merely forcing the cans inwardly from opposite ends of the sleeve member 31, thereby bending the locking tabs 24, 26, 23, 25 inwardly toward the strut elements so as to slip into the recessed ends of the cans to positively lock them within the sleeve member. The cans 33, '34 are of the conventional type having a slightly upwardly extending bead 33a and 34a at their upper ends and slightly downwardly extending beads 33b and 34b at their lower ends, the locking tabs slipping into the recessed ends and bearing against these beads to hold the cans tightly against the abutting strut elements.

The side panels 9 and 10- have upright outer edge portions 9a, 9b and 11011, 1012. As shown, these upright outer edge portions are spaced longitudinally of the sleeve and extend in vertical planes coplanar with the base line of the locking tabs which is defined :by the parallel lines 17 and 18. It will be noted that the locking tabs when bent inwardly terminate immediately adjacent a vertical plane extending through the longitudinal centers of the side panels 9 and 10 as indicated in FIG. 5, this plane being indicated by the transverse broken line 35.

-It should be noted by reference to FIG. where the strut elements I l-14- are secured to each other as shown, the strut elements 11 and 13 together constitute a diagonally extending strut member between the diagonally opposed side edge portions 90 and 1012 while the strut elements 12 and 14 together constitute a diagonally extending strut member connecting the diagonally opposed side edge portions 9b and a. Consequently the entire structure is provided with a pair of crossed diagonally extending strut members which greatly enhance the strength of the sleeve member 31. It will also be noted that when the extensions 11 and 14 are connected as shown they become concavely shaped with their concavity facing away from the concavity defined by the oppositely disposed pair of extensions 12 and '13, the cans 33 and 34 abutting against opposite sides of these strut elements in snug tight fitting relation. Reference to FIG. 3 shows that each of the side panels '9 and 10 is connected to the top panel7 by a pair of tie members such as are indicated in FIG. 3 by the numerals 36 and 37. Similarly, each of the side panels 9'and .10 are connected to the bottom panel '8 by a pair of correspondingly shaped generally triangular tie members 38 and 36, these tie members in each instance extending laterally outwardly from the upright side edge portions of the side panel and constituting a web between the side edgepor'tions and the top or bottom panel as the case may be.

FIG. 7 illustrates a secondforrh of my invention which I- have found also functions in a satisfactory manner. The main distinction in construction between this can carton and that shown in FIGS. 1-5 is that the strut ele-' ment 4t) merely overlaps the strut element 41' and the strut elements 42 and 43 merely register with ahd abut against its associated strut elements 40; 41 respectively. In this embodiment the cans which are illustrated by broken lines in FIG. 7 are held in place in exactly the same manner as in the construction shown in FIGS. l-S, the only difference in cohstruction being that the strut elements are not glued to each other. On the contrary, the pressure of the cans is relied upon to hold the strut gether or positively secured to each other by some other means.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 likewise depends upon the pressure of the cans to hold the strut elements together in registering and abutting relation. It will be noted, however, that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 each of the strut elements 4447 are of equal length and that they abut and are held in this relation by the cans. Here again, have found that the pressure exerted by the cans and the friction betweenthe surfaces of the strut elements is sufficient to provide adequate rigidity to the sleeve member so that it will function in a highly satisfactory manner. It will be understood, of course, that the blanks from which the construction shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are identical to that shown in FIG. 9 except that the length of the lateral extensions from the narrow elongated segments 9 and 10 are equal in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

a I have found in practice that a can carton manufactured in accordance with my disclosure made herein functions in ahighly satisfactory manner insofar as strength and rigidity is concerned. The main advantage of my carton, however, lies in the fact that the major portions of the cans such as the cans 33 and 34 are displayed to the prospective purchaser. Reference to FIGS. 5, 7 and 8 will readily show that well over two-thirds of the surface area of the cans is displayed to the prospective purchaser and consequently the full value of the art work on the labels of the cans is retained and presented in the most desirable manner to the prospective purchaser. I have found that retailers prefer such a can carton because of the fact that it provides the maximum and most desirable display of the goods without sacrificing strength in the structure which holds the cans together and consequently sale of these packaged goods is increased as a result of the improved manner of display of the goods themselves.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of my invention which consists of the matter shown and elements together, thereby providing sufiicient rigidity and strength to the carton to prevent its twisting, tearing, etc. It will be noted that the same geometric configurations are provided so that most of the strength is furnished even though the strut elements are not glued todescribed herein and set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is: a

l. A multiple can carton comprising a sleeve member having opposed upright side panels and top and bottom panels, a plurality of cans received snugly between said panels in upright side by side relation and aligned longitudinally of said sleeve member, locking means carried by said panels constructed and arranged to engage and fixedly secure said cans within said sleeve in such relation, said side panels each having parallel upright outer edge portions spaced longitudinally of said sleeve member and terminating inwardly of the outer end portionof said top and bottom panels, and a plurality of strut elements one each of which is connected to one each of said side panel edge portions and extends inwardly towards the other, each of said strut elements being fixedly secured to the strut element connected to the other edge portion of its associated side panel and to the remaining strut elements at a point intermediate said side panels to provide strength and rigidity to said sleeve member.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein each of said strut elements secured to one of said side panels extends beyond and is rigidly secured to a strut element connected to the opposite side panel.

a 3. A multiple can carton comprising a sleeve member having opposed upright side panels and top and bottom panels adapted to snugly receive a pair of cans arranged in upright side by side relation therebetween, locking means carried by said top and bottom-panels constructed and arranged to engage the ends of such a pair of cans and fixedly secure the same within said sleeve, said side panels each having upright outer edge portions spaced longitudinally of said sleeve member and terminating inaosasss wardly of the outer end portions of said top and bottom panels, and a plurality of strut elements one each of which is connected to one each of said side panel edge portions and extends inwardly toward the others and is fixedly secured to the strut element connected to the other edge portion of its associated side panel at a point intermediate said side panels to provide strength and rigidity to said sleeve member, each of said side edge portions having one of said strut elements connected thereto.

4. A multiple can carton comprising a sleeve member having opposed upright side panels and top and bottom panels adapted to snugly receive a pair of cans arranged in upright side by side relation there ietween, locking means carried by said top and bottom panels constructed and arranged to engage and fixedly secure such a pair of cans within said sleeve, a pair of cans so locked within said sleeve in longitudinally aligned relation, said side panels each having parallel upright outer edge portions spaced longitudinally of said sleeve member and terminating inwardly of the outer end portions of said top and bottom panels and a plurality of rigid strut elements one each of which is connected to one each of said side panel edge portions and extends inwardly to the strut element connected to the other edge portion of its associated side panel, said strut elements being secured together between said cans and providing strength and rigidity to said sleeve member.

5. A multiple can carton comprising a sleeve member having a pair of opposed side panels with upper and lower portions of equal width and top and bottom panels adapted to snugly receive a pair of cans arranged in upright side by side relation therebetween, locking tabs carried by said top and bottom panels and adapted to engage and fixedly secure such a pair of cans therebetween, each of said side panels having upright side edge portions each diagonally opposed relative to one of the side edges of the other side panel, and a rigid strut member secured to and extending diagonally from one of said side edge portions across the interior of said sleeve member to the dia onally opposed upright side edge portion of the opposite side panel and being secured thereto to provide strength and rigidity to said sleeve member.

6. A multiple can carton comprising a sleeve member having a pair of opposed upright generally rectangular side panels and top and bottom panels adapted to snugly receive a pair of cans arranged in upright side by side longitudinally aligned relation therebetween, locking means carried by said panels constructed and arranged to engage and fixedly secure such a pair of cans in such relation within said sleeve, a pair of cans so locked Within said sleeve, said side panels each having a pair of parallel upright outer edge portions spaced longitudinally of said sleeve member, and a plurality of strut elements one each of which is connected to one of said upright outer edge portions of one of said side panels and extends inwardly toward the other side panel, said strut element connected to one of said side panels extending in overlapping relation with those of the opposite side panel and being secured together therewith between said cans intermediate said side panels to provide strength and rigidity to said sleeve member.

7. A multiple can carton blank form comprising a single elongated sheet of cardboard having a pair of longitudinally extending ovoid segments spaced longitudinally of said sheet and a pair of spaced relatively narrow elongated segments connected to opposite ends of one of said ovoid segments, one of said narrow elongated se ments being disposed between and connecting said ovoid segments, each of said narrow elongated segments having a pair of rectangular lateral extensions each of which extend outwardly from opposite sides of said narrow elongated segment a distance greater than one half the distance between the ends of one of said ovoid segments and each of which has its longest dimension extending longitudinally of a straight line connecting said ovoid segments, each of said ovoid segments having a pair of oppositely disposed arcuate slits formed therein, each of slits terminating at its ends along a line coincidental to a line extending along one of the sides of one of said narrow elongated segments.

8. A multiple can car-ton comprising a sleeve member having opposed upright side panels and top and bottom panels adapted to snugly receive a plurality of cans arranged in upright side by side relation therebetween, locking means carried by said top and bottom panels constructed and arranged to engage and fixedly secure such cans within said sleeve, a plurality of cans so locked Within said sleeve, said side panels each having upright outer edge portions spaced longitudinaly of said sleeve member and terminating inwardly of the outer ends of said top and bottom panels, and a plurality of rectangular strut elements one each of which is connected to one of said upright outer edge portions of one of said side panels and extends inwardly towards and is secured to the strut element connected to the other upright outer edge portion of said side panel at a point between said cans and intermediate said side panels to provide strength and rigidity to said sleeve member, said strut elements and said side panel connected thereto defining a generally triangularly shaped geometric construction.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,554,190 Hennessey May 22, 1951 2,814,385 Stone Nov. 26, 1957 2,823,797 Amatel Feb. 18, 1958 2,881,914 Woeber et al Apr. 14, 1959 2,888,135 Guyer May 26, 1959 2,946,433 Hennessey July 26, 1960 2,974,851 Struble Mar. 14, 1961 

1. A MULTIPLE CAN CARTON COMPRISING A SLEEVE MEMBER HAVING OPPOSED UPRIGHT SIDE PANELS AND TOP AND BOTTOM PANELS, A PLURALITY OF CANS RECEIVED SNUGLY BETWEEN SAID PANELS IN UPRIGHT SIDE BY SIDE RELATION AND ALIGNED LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID SLEEVE MEMBER, LOCKING MEANS CARRIED BY SAID PANELS CONSTRUCTED AND ARRANGED TO ENGAGE AND FIXEDLY SECURE SAID CANS WITHIN SAID SLEEVE IN SUCH RELATION, SAID SIDE PANELS EACH HAVING PARALLEL UPRIGHT OUTER EDGE PORTIONS SPACED LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID SLEEVE MEMBER AND TERMINATING INWARDLY OF THE OUTER END PORTION OF SAID TOP AND BOTTOM PANELS, AND A PLURALITY OF STRUT ELEMENTS ONE EACH OF WHICH IS CONNECTED TO ONE EACH OF SAID SIDE PANEL EDGE PORTIONS AND EXTENDS INWARDLY TOWARDS THE OTHER, EACH OF SAID STRUT ELEMENTS BEING FIXEDLY SECURED TO THE STRUT ELEMENT CONNECTED TO THE OTHER EDGE PORTION OF ITS ASSOCIATED SIDE PANEL AND TO THE REMAINING STRUT ELEMENTS AT A POINT INTERMEDIATE SAID SIDE PANELS TO PROVIDE STRENGTH AND RIGIDITY TO SAID SLEEVE MEMBER. 